Want an idea from opposing coaches what makes a great defensive team? In the below linked article, Big 12 basketball coaches discuss what makes Coach Bill Self and his Kansas Jayhawk basketball team so good at defending.

A few takeaways from his fellow coaches as to why Coach Self always has a good defensive team:

Limit layups

Ability to adjust

Hold players accountable

Detail-oriented

Attitude of competitiveness

Fundamentally sound

Play defensively as a team

Here … from Jesse Newell over at the Kansas City Star:

There have been years with elite shot-blockers, and years without them. Backcourts that created steals and others that struggled to limit dribble penetration.

No matter the combination, Kansas basketball coach Bill Self has always seemed to make it work, as much of KU’s 12-year streak of Big 12 Conference titles can be attributed to the team’s defense.

The Jayhawks have ranked in the top 10 nationally nine times out of the last 12 seasons, according to Ken Pomeroy’s defensive efficiency numbers, and they also have not finished a season worse than 21st during those 12 seasons.

So what has contributed to Kansas’ long-lasting defensive success?

It’s a good question for those who follow Self most closely — the six returning Big 12 coaches who have seen first-hand just how difficult it can be to score against the Jayhawks.